Gilford: arriving by bicycle
Last Saturday the ice on Cook's Bay was about 23 centimetres (9 inches) thick so fishers from miles around arrived there in droves. This year fishers parked their cars on terra firma as the ice was not really safe enough for cars or trucks. To reach their ice houses, fishers rode across the ice on bikes, all-terrain vehicles... or walked.
Pulling a sledge
Some of you dear readers have wondered who'd be "crazy" enough to fish in the cold. The easy answer is: lots of people, mostly men but some women and kids too. Many of the fishers are not Canadians but Americans who've traveled north for the pleasure.
Canine helper
And even a few dogs enjoyed a day out on the ice.
On all-terrain vehicle and on foot
The huts were a fair distance from the shore so for some it was a chore to get all their gear to their fishing spots, although this guy didn't seem to mind.
Even kids haul gear!
And these boys were quite excited to be fishing with dad.
What are they fishing for?
A pailful of perch
In this shallow water, they were catching perch.
Many thanks to Rob of Gilford Yellow Huts, Inc. (gilfordyellowhuts.com) who answered many questions my husband and I had about fishing here.
I am linking to Watery Wednesday where you can find many more watery photos.
These are such fun shots! As a Minnesotan raised on ice fishing, I take no surprise learning there were many Americans there. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great series! But it simply reaffirms my belief that you Ontarions are just plain nutty! Go get your fish in a supermarket like real people do! Sheesh!
ReplyDeleteA lot of creative transport methods there! Perch are pretty. I don't think I ever saw one!
ReplyDeleteI've always be fascinated by ice fishing. It seems its more about getting away than it is about the fish.
ReplyDeleteA bit different from the ice-fishing at my favorite lake. Nice photos.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing those fishing huts out on the frozen lakes. Great series of photos.
ReplyDeleteThose perch must be really good if people are willing to go to all that effort. Me? I'll wait home by the fire.
ReplyDeleteDarla
I've always wondered that too! What a thoughtful series, and those are some big fish!
ReplyDeleteLeave it to those crazy Americans!
ReplyDeleteA terrific group of pictures to illustrate beautifully the pleasures that some people get from ice fishing. If they go to all that trouble to get to their fish house, you know that it's something that's important to them. Great to involve the whole family!!
ReplyDeleteGood catch.
ReplyDeletei think it's a neat sport. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have to admire people who bundle up and brave the cold to forage for their dinner outdoors instead of going to their local heated supermarkets. It looks like a fun family sport that all but the perch could enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed my visit through your photos, but i would not be one of the women out there. love the dog pulling the sled and i assume they fish inside the huts?
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's incredible to see people doing all those things on ice!so interesting!
ReplyDeleteGood for them but I cannot see the pleasure or thrill in sitting in a hut freezing. I know I'd sit there thinking "What am I doing here?" Brrr....
ReplyDeleteI did it when I was younger, but now I live in costal BC where - thankfull - the lakes don't freeze! Great series.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I really want to see!
ReplyDeleteI have a colleague who might be doing just that right now on her honeymoon in Québec!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful series EG - an education for many of your readers!
ReplyDeleteIce fishing may be fun, but I think I'll limit my experience with it to your wonderful photo sequence. You got some great pictures.
ReplyDeleteAt least some enjoy this hobby. Not my cup of tea freezing out there. Great shots by the way.
ReplyDeleteThis is so good, I do like it!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a happy evening!
i've always found ice fishing fascinating. hope someday i get to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteWatery Wednesday
those are some interesting shots. I've never been ice fishing.
ReplyDeleteIt does look as though everyone is having a fantastic time!! And it does look like fun! Always been fascinated by ice fishing!! Terrific captures as always!! Have a great evening!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Great shots..
ReplyDeleteI remember going ice fishing on Lake Simcoe and Manitoulin Island.
Thank you for sharing your pictures!!
-cheers from Guildwood.
Great photos, I am sure the kids and dogs love it. But, I get goosebumps looking at the cold icy lake. Thanks for sharing, happy Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteYup. As long as I dressed for the weather, I think I could enjoy that, too.
ReplyDeleteI do not think I have ever tasted perch. (stomach rumbles) I'm hungry.
Neat shots, but boy does it look cold - Brrrr!
ReplyDeleteIce fishing does have its pleasures.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have thought the ice was thick enough! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great story on ice fishing. It looks like fun and the catch seems to be worth braving the cold for.
ReplyDeleteFishing is crazy. Winter fishing is completely bonkers. But ice fishing? Each to his own, I suppose. Now if you were talking about getting frozen cold to see some rare bird or simply to take photos, that I could understand!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous reportage!Congratulations and thanks for the link, it's a very interesting and different way to fish!
ReplyDeletehugs
Léia
I have always been fascinated by ice fishing being that I never lived in area where people partook of this hobby. It sound like greg fun once you get yourself and your gear out there on the ice. Love the human dog sled...the child, of course. Looks like by hook or by crook these fellows are gonna get out there to catch their perch. genie
ReplyDeleteThese are great!I love seeing those Bob Houses out on the ice...looks like fun,although I don't think I could stand the cold.
ReplyDeleteAs Paul said, out on the BC coast we don't get frozen lakes unless we head up into the high country. And then those lakes are pretty shallow. How did they get the fish houses out on the ice? Same way? Loved the dog power picture. Bet he was glad when he hit the ice. - Margy
ReplyDeleteI don't think any ice-fishing has been done around here this year, but lots of people do when there is plenty of ice. I bet fish are really good this time of year...I know i like them better in the spring of the year. They don't taste quite so 'fishy.' Haha
ReplyDeleteIt just looks so cold!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind walking on the bog, though!
Cheers from Cottage Country!
That was going to be my question as well-what were they fishing for? Now I know. Is this the first year that the ice has not been able to hold up heavier vehicles? Such crazy weather. Love involving the dogs with your activities--they seem to love it so much. Willie the Pit Bull loves to go with me on photo shoots.
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